Self-explanation serves as a constructive learning scaffold in education, actively engaging learners in the identification of knowledge gaps and the rectification of erroneous mental models. This study aimed to examine the effects of self-explanation on students' academic performance in digital learning environments and to test the possible…

Starting from the observation that teachers treat boys and girls differently, this study investigated the variety in the magnitude of the difference in teacher-perceived teachability of boys and girls and its determinants. The study responded two research questions: (1) Does the extent of the difference in teacher-perceived teachability of boys…

Peer interaction offers critical learning opportunities for preschool students, yet exposure to peers of different skill levels varies within and across classrooms. We explore two ways peers may affect learning: differences in who children play with in a classroom and differences in student composition across classrooms. We find that playing with…

This article introduces the concept of effectivity, which is the power to be effective or to achieve a certain effect to accomplish one's goals, in this case, desired school or life achievement. Giftedness would be better defined and developed in terms of effectivity than in terms of various concepts of ability. The concept of effectivity hinges…

This study compares latent profiles derived from student subgroups of varying levels of mathematical skills defined by achievement and ability assessment scores. Achievement and ability cut scores for identifying students at both ends of the mathematics spectrum were applied and the resulting latent profiles within each condition were compared.…

This study used systematic observation to test the direct and moderating effects of class size on children's momentary behavioural engagement in learning. Data were collected with 632 children (50.6% girls) in 121 classrooms in 92 schools recruited into the Children's School Lives national cohort study of Irish primary schooling. The Observational…

The high prevalence of delay and non-completion among academic track students across OECD countries raises questions about academic tracks' effectiveness in successfully preparing students for higher education. Yet, empirical studies addressing academic track students' college readiness remain scarce. Therefore, this study investigates the…

Background: Differences in competence gains between academic and non-academic track schools are often attributed to selection effects based on students' primary school performance and socioeconomic status (SES). However, how the competencies of comparable students (in terms of school performance and social background) at different tracks develop…

This study examined the development of the evaluation of praise that differs in congruence between what the praiser is praising (i.e. effort or ability) and what led the recipient to succeed. Children aged 7 and 8 years (second graders) and 10 and 11 years (fifth graders), as well as adults, made emotional and motivational evaluations about…

Students' science literacy abilities must receive special attention, particularly by investigating root causes and implementing strategies for improvement. Measuring science literacy through questions is crucial to determine students' proficiency to be science literate. This research aims to produce higher-order thinking skill (HOTS)-based science…

The gender gap in STEM careers is shaped in part by educational choices. This study investigates two interventions--absolute performance feedback and personalized advice--aiming at narrowing the gender disparities in investments in math skills. Using an online lab experiment, participants chose between a math or verbal task after receiving one of…

This action research case study explored the ability of three high school chemistry students to grow in their understanding of nature of science (NOS) during its explicit-reflective inclusion in two unit chapters on bonding (ionic compounds followed by covalent molecules). Students completed a pre, post and delayed Views of Nature of Science Form…

The transition from early childhood education to primary education is, in many countries, the beginning of compulsory education. This has meant that much of the research on this transition has focused on academic aspects such as literacy or logical-mathematical competence. The lines of research have changed, and in recent years, very diverse…

This systematic review investigates the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools on developing academic skills in higher education. Analysing 158 studies published between 2021 and 2024, it focuses on the impact of GenAI tools on the development of cognitive, technical and interpersonal skills. The results reveal that 94% of the…

While concepts of care and caring have a long history, the terms have become especially prominent in recent times. Care and caring, I argue, have emerged as what philosopher Charles Taylor calls 'moral sources,' uber-concepts that allow for moral deliberation, the prioritization of preferences, and our identity formation as persons. Linking the…